Ye!! 12000mAh Energy Block

I have bought many rechargeable power packs over the years to recharge mobile devices such as the iPhone, iPad and gaming devices. But all of these are only able to charge through USB. Hence when I saw the Ye!! power pack, I knew that this was something special, as it is able to power through USB, 12V and even laptops and the ability to jump start a car. Hence as this was available at a very good price, I could not pass up on the deal and so I bought it.

The Ye!! energy block comes packed in a case with a handle, which means there is a place to store all those cables. I will be leaving the case in the car with the jumper cables.

Ye!! power pack in its packaging and caseBack of the packaging

It is larger than most other power packs but is not too heavy and still fairly portable. It looks very well built, and more importantly it works very well for what I need it for.

Ye!! power pack with the jump start cables

It comes with many other accessories, including 12V cables with 8 plugs of different sizes. It comes with a mini-USB cable, an AC mains charger for the energy block and a car charger.

Various cables and chargers for the power pack

On the front are 15 blue and 15 red LEDs. The blue LEDs indicate the amount of charge left in the pack, but only in multiples of 5 LEDs so it is not possible to know with absolute accuracy how much charge is left. The red LEDs only appear when the energy block is used for emergency lighting, by alternating between red and blue LEDs.

15 Blue LED lights to indicate the charge (in blocks of 5)

The torch can be used as a constant light source, or as a flashing light to serve as a warning light. The various lighting options are selected by pressing the on/off button.

The LED flash light

It can power two different devices at the same time – I can power the 12V output e.g. for the Astrotrac TT320AX, and the USB output for my Daystar Quark, both at the same time. Much smaller than the Lead-acid power packs I’ve used in the past; the large power pack I used to own is no longer retaining its charge and hence I had to replace this (this also served to jump start cars, which I’ve used once to rescue my wife). The 12V output on this energy block can also be used to power a mini fridge.

On the opposite side of the energy block is the connector for the jump cables which is rated for 200-400A, and is supposedly able to jump start a 6L petrol car.

What do I like about it?

1) It is the swiss army knife of power packs and can do so many things.

2) It is compact and not very heavy.

3) It works well for what I need it for – powering astronomy equipment. And yes it does work with the Daystar Quark.

4) It can be used to jump start cars.

5) It can be used for various lighting options, including as emergency signalling.

What could be improved?

1) It would have been helpful to have a more accurate indication of the remaining charge on the device, either with a digital indicator or for each LED to indicate a certain percentage.

2) The enclosed 12V cable is a little short, and hence if you need a longer cable, then that will add to the cost.

Verdict:

This is probably the best power pack I’ve ever bought and is so useful. I do not have any regrets about buying this and would recommend it. Just make sure you find the best price (RRP £149.99, I bought it for £69.99).